Every time we talk about the shelter crisis we hear Adopt Don’t Shop. It’s become sort of a mantra among those fighting for shelter pets. But I ponder the question, “Is this the answer?” I do not doubt that adopting animals from shelters is the right thing to do, but the question remains, “Is this THE answer.” People adopt …
Shelter Rescue Workshop this weekend
For all of you who would like to learn the skills to save more dogs’ lives, think about joining us at the Ventura County Animal Shelter in Camarillo this weekend. VCAS is hosting our Bound Angels Shelter Rescue Workshop and we are planning on this being a regular event. All participants in the event must be either working in rescue, …
Shelters Need More People and Less Dogs
I’ve worked with many shelters both here locally and across the US. One thing that is lacking in all shelters is volunteers. With the exception of a small humane society in northern Arizona, most shelters have a skeleton staff of volunteers that can be relied upon. Most people want the glamour of saving dogs but don’t understand that it takes …
The Disposable Dog
We live in a society where just about everything is disposable including our glass bottles, shoes, clothing and yes – dogs! I remember days (this makes me sound old) when things were repaired and not thrown away. I remember taking my shoes to the shoemaker for a new pair of soles, in fact I still do that; and glass bottles …
Breeders.. the good the bad and the ugly…
Nothing draws as much controversy among animal rights and animal rescue people as the discussion of breeders. I believe that anyone who loves animals is worth including in a group that benefits animals – such as animal rescue. If we ostracize breeders we are fighting a battle alone that could use the help of anyone willing to lend a hand. …
New Article for Shelter Workers
I can’t tell you how often I’m called to deal with a dog at a shelter that exhibits what’s called Barrier Aggression. This is a behavior when the dog is barking, growling or aggresses toward the front of the kennel when people are present. It is generally not that hard to fix, but it is a death sentence in many …
Dealing with Fear Aggression
Last week a friend of mine asked me for some help in dealing with a pair of German Shepherds that were adopted to a very nice lady living in Santa Barbara. The best part of the story is that after these two a father and daughter had sat in the shelter for almost a year, they were adopted from a …
A Visit from an Old Friend
It had been almost a year since I adopted Zeus to Joey, Tim and Lori and even though I’ve had regular contact with them, I still missed seeing him. Lori and I arranged to meet last Sunday. She had some questions regarding Zeus’ training and thought a visit would do him good. If you forgot Zeus’ situation, he was the …